The concept of the traditional wife, or “tradwife,” has taken social media by storm, with women presenting themselves as the epitome of domestic bliss while upholding what they claim are biblically-rooted gender roles. Behind these viral women, however, stand the “trad-husbands“—men who occupy a central yet often overlooked role in this movement. While their wives cook, clean, and nurture, trad-husbands are portrayed as the breadwinners and protectors. But who are these men really, and what role do they play in this online spectacle?
The Rise of Tradwife Influencers
With millions of followers, women like Nara Aziza Smith, Lauren Eberspacher, and Estee Williams have become household names for their portrayal of idealized, 1950s-style homemaking. These tradwives use platforms like TikTok and Instagram to promote an idyllic, highly gendered lifestyle that embraces modesty, home-cooked meals, and child-rearing as their divine calling.
Nara Aziza, for instance, boasts over 9 million followers on TikTok, while Estee Williams garners attention with her tutorials on being a “biblically submissive” wife. These influencers have drawn both admiration and criticism for glorifying a lifestyle that critics argue is outdated, or even oppressive. Yet, their reach continues to grow, and at the heart of their online presence are their husbands—men who often occupy supporting roles both in the home and in the digital content their wives produce.
Who Are the Trad-Husbands?
These husbands, like Lucky Blue Smith, Eric Eberspacher, and Conner Williams, are central to the narrative of the tradwife movement, but their roles are complicated. Often, they are portrayed as the breadwinners and decision-makers in their households, yet it is clear that the financial and social success of their families rests largely on their wives’ online empires.
Take Lucky Blue Smith, the husband of Nara Aziza, who became a social media sensation after being discovered as a model at the age of 10. While Lucky once garnered his own fanbase, it is now his wife, Nara, who drives the family’s social media presence. In many of Nara’s videos, Lucky appears in the background, often seen in casual outfits and retro styling that enhances the traditional, 1950s aesthetic of their brand. Although he contributes to their lifestyle, it’s clear that Nara is the true star of the show, and possibly the higher earner.
Similarly, Eric Eberspacher, husband to Lauren, met his wife in college and quickly bonded over their shared Christian values. While Lauren initially pursued a career in nursing, she fully embraced the role of a tradwife after marriage, choosing to homeschool their children and run the household while Eric provided financially. Yet, despite this seemingly traditional setup, Lauren has also amassed a significant following on social media, often sharing insights into their marriage and home life with her audience. Like many tradwives, Lauren’s online presence offers a glimpse into the domestic sphere, but it also raises questions about who is truly benefiting from this arrangement.
The Gender Dynamics of the Trad-Life
On the surface, these marriages appear to adhere strictly to gendered roles: the husband as the protector and provider, and the wife as the submissive homemaker. However, the growing popularity of tradwife influencers has complicated this dynamic. In many cases, it is the wives who bring in substantial incomes through brand deals, social media sponsorships, and content creation, while their husbands remain in the background, lending support but often overshadowed by their wives’ fame.
Conner Williams, for example, has publicly stated that men are born to lead, but his wife, Estee, often seems to take center stage in their public life. With her Stepford-like persona, Estee explains the principles of biblical submission to her followers, but her social media earnings likely eclipse any income that Conner brings home.
The Trad-Husband Paradox
While trad-husbands may see themselves as the leaders of their families, it is clear that the financial and public power often lies with their wives. This paradox is at the heart of the tradwife movement’s appeal—and its controversy. In a world where traditional values are presented as the solution to modern societal ills, it is the tradwives who often hold the most influence, both in the home and online. Meanwhile, the trad-husbands must navigate a unique reality where their wives’ success may upend the very gender roles they claim to uphold.
As the tradwife trend continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how the men behind these influencers evolve alongside their successful partners. While some trad-husbands fully embrace their supportive roles, others may find themselves grappling with the shifting dynamics in their marriages, where the balance of power may not be as traditional as it first appears.
